The 16th District of Lions Clubs International was organized in 1921 and consisted of the states of New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. Because of the rapid growth, it became necessary in 1922 to divide the area - New Jersey remained as the 16th District, New York became District 20, and Maryland, Delaware, and D.C. became District 22.

The Baltimore Club was the first to organize (October 26,1921) within the boundaries of the present District 22. In 1940, District 22 was divided into Districts 22-A and 22-B. In 1944, District 22-C was organized, followed by Districts 22-D and 22-W in 1947. The Frederick Club was the first to have organized (June 7, 1922) within the boundaries of the present Sub-District 22-W. Multiple District 22 is divided into the following sub-districts:

Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world.